The Civil Justice Department is one of the service departments of the Council. This Department by its schedule is positioned to deliver quality legal services and promote the protection and defence of constitutional rights. The Department provides legal services in civil matters through legal practitioners employed by the Council (Legal Aid Officers) and Administrative officers (Paralegal/Legal Aid Assistants).

Functions include:

1. The provision of legal assistance to indigent persons in the form of advice, assistance and representation in court in order to secure, defend, enforce, protect or otherwise exercise any right, obligation, duty, privilege, interest or service to which that person is ordinarily entitled under the Nigerian Legal System;

2. The Department also grants legal services in respect of any breach or denial of any such right, obligation, duty, privilege or service. It is responsible, on behalf of the Council, for the representation before any court or tribunal for such civil matters;

3. To pursue civil claims in respect of accidents including employees compensation claims (under the Employee’s Compensation Act No. 13 of 2010;

4. To pursue civil claims to cover breach of Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

5. To pursue civil claims arising from criminal activities against persons who are qualified for Legal Aid under the Legal Aid Act 2011; and

6. Any other duties assigned by the Director-General

Head of Department – Mr. Ogbenyi Ogah (Director)

Email- info@legalaidcouncil.gov.ng

Contact Phone Number- 08052231092